Alex Ward, 66,
professional coon hunter

Sharon Stitzlein Published: August 31, 2006 12:00 AM

PERRYSVILLE Alex M. Ward, 66, of rural Perrysville passed away Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2006, at his residence. Mr. Ward was born June 27, 1940, in Boonescamp, Ky., to Jeff and Nancy Mae (Price) Ward.He had been a resident of Ashland County most of his life. Mr. Ward was a professional coon hunter. He formerly was employed as a welder and worked maintenance at HYCO in Ashland.Mr. Ward was a member of B.B.C.H.A. (Blue Tick Breeders and Coon Hunters Assoc.) and the B.B.O.A. (Blue Tick Breeders of America). He was a former member of the Jeromesville and Ashland Coon Hunters Club.On April 2, 1967, Mr. Ward married Brenda Vanetta who survives. Also surviving are a son and daughter-in-law, Alex M. and Tammy L. Ward II of Ashland; six daughters, spouses, and companion, Teresa Ward of Mansfield, Jackie Simms and companion Timothy Hoffman of Ashland, Pamela and spouse, Dale VanDriest of Perrysville, Sherry and Randy VanDriest of Ashland, Tina and Larry Chacey of Polk, and Jessica and Zach McFadden of Perrysville; 18 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; four brothers and a sister-in-law, Jay Ward of Big Prairie, Homer Ward of Mansfield, Herbert Ward of Medina, and Terry and Kay Christian of Big Prairie; and two sisters and a brother-in-law, Sue and Forest Ramey of Gallipolis, and Mandy Ward of Crestline.Besides being preceded in death by his parents, Mr. Ward was preceded by his sister, Neva Jo Ramey and a granddaughter.Services will be 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 2, 2006, at Heyl Funeral Home, 227 Broad St. Ashland. Interment will be at Vermillion Cemetery in Hayesville. Friends may visit with the family 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1, 2006, at the funeral home. The family suggest memorial contributions may be made to the Alex Ward Benefit Fund at Farmers Bank, 112 N. Bridge St., Perrysville, Ohio 44864. (T-G 08/31/06)